A Store that Breaks the Mold
 
Portland has its fair share of men's apparel stores; some focus on dress clothes, others on urban garments and still others on accessories. While we like the boutique/specialty stores, sometimes we don't feel like trekking all around town trying to find one or two items at each store. Enter: Moule.
 
Moule has a wide selection of urban and dress apparel, accessories and more. If you're in need of something professional yet hip we suggest one of their Hugo Boss suits complimented by a fine Italian-made Andrea Palombini dress shirt and modish J.Lindeberg tie. Perhaps you are on the hunt for something comfortable yet stylish; in this case, a Morphine Generation tee and pair of 7 For All Mankind jeans or Hurley shorts is a great choice.
 
If you have enough apparel (is that possible?) you still might want a sleek French Connection hat, a Hugo Boss belt, some JB shaving supplies or maybe a Poker set. Our point is this: you are sure to find something at Moule that you simply must have.
 
Moule
1225 NW Everett St.
Portland, OR 97209
503.227.8530
www.moulestores.com

Ride Down (to) the Deschutes
 
Oregon is known for its great micros, and we consider ourselves to be true Oregonians. That is why we're super excited about the opening of the new Deschutes Brewery & Public House in the Pearl.
 
The rustic-wood carved décor and high ceilings made of old-wood planks and beams provide a wonderful atmosphere. And the brewing area is in plain sight so you can watch the beer-making process in action. The quality of Deschutes' beer goes without saying, and aside from their standards and seasonal brews, the pub offers several exclusives including Bachelor Bitter, Armory XPA, Bond Street Brew-Rootin Tootin, X-Tap Tanith and the insanely powerful (11.5%) Mirror Mirror Barley Wine.
 
The food is also a winner. Not only do they offer an extensive menu with all the pub-house greats like sandwiches, burgers and pizza, they also prepare more sophisticated items such as Lobster Ravioli, Braised Beef, and Wild Salmon. So do yourself a favor—head down to the public for a pint, and enjoy a taste of Oregon.
 
Deschutes Brewery & Public House
210 NW 11th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.296.4906
www.deschutesbrewery.com

Little Italy

One can often tell the difference between a restaurant opened by someone who has been to Europe and someone who is from Europe (or at least has lived there for some length of time).

Mercato is of the latter category. In Italy there are those eateries that are great for lunch now, but used to be real swinging spots in the ’60s and have remained unchanged in décor. Back then, the Italians embraced post-modern, post-mid-century aesthetics and decorated through their own unique lens (think: Japan in the ’90s) while keeping it traditional in the kitchen. Mercato does the same.

From panini and pasta to piadine (flatbread panini with mixed greens and balsamic oil), Mercato's extensive menu offers something for everyone, with nicely sized portions. Looking for something a little heartier than pizza or pasta? Try the pan-roasted chicken breast, grilled lamb chops, steak, or seared Diver scallops. We’ll say it: Portland hasn't really had something quite like Mercato yet. And for those of you who have been to those time-warps in "the boot,” you'll feel right at home.
 
Mercato
904 NW Couch Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.219.9966
www.mercatopdx.com

Corona The Summer Classic

How many barbecues have you been to where a cooler of Corona was open for the taking, and you were damn happy about it? Something about it just screams "summer," and we need a shot of the sun right now. So bring the cooler up from the basement! Corona is made from the finest quality blend of barley, yeast and imported hops, so the taste is somewhere between light domestics and heavy European beers and it's just right.
www.corona.com

Hit the Links

Dressing in a formal manner should be kept just that … formal. Statements need not be made in the form of five-button NFL-special suits, but rather the understated world of accessories. A great tie clip, a flash of color via pocket square, or a great set of cufflinks work much better.

We recently became infatuated with these working-abacus links. A no-brainer as a gift for our accountant, we bought a pair of these conversation pieces for ourselves as well.

www.cufflinks.com

Our Favorite Man-Bag

Somewhere between first class and first gear lies a perfect balance between refinement and uncompromising style. Drawing inspiration from one of Paris' symbols of pure opulence, the palace of Versailles, rian men's 2008 fall/winter collection Versailles travel bag is a tribute to art, fashion and industry. 

Made from full-grain chrome-tanned leather, the Versailles travel bag features custom stainless steel hardware accents and a refined cotton-canvas liner with signature print and multiple functional pockets. Pretty sweet.
 
www.rianmens.com

In Case You Missed It

Ask most men and they'll tell you that the TiVo and HDTVs are among the best inventions in recent years. Unfortunately, a 100-hour capacity DVR dives to a mere 20 when the content is HD. The answer? Try these boxes by weaKnees.

They've had their hard drives replaced with mammoth ones and have even been re-warrantied. Lots of options are available, but we recommend the big boy unit with more than 144 hours of Hi-Def storage at your disposal. 

www.weaknees.com

Vino Amore'
 
We love good food & wine in a comfortable neighborhood setting. What could be better, right? Well this weekend, head down to Beaumont because Vicinato is showcasing some music. And because this is a wine bar, there will probably be some talent as well. (We mean the music, you rogues.)
 
What: Music showcase at Vicinato Wine Bar
When: This weekend: call for times
Where: 4605 NE Fremont St.
Call: 503.288.8487
Visit: www.vicinatowinebar.com

Re-Use at Icebreaker for Mother’s Day

Want a creative Mother’s Day gift? Bring your kid brother’s/sister’s or your own kid’s favorite T-shirt to Icebreaker and they will turn it into an attractive—and functional—bag, great to give as a gift to Mom. Best of all, it’s free. This is a great way to re-use/recycle, and while you’re there, do a little shopping for yourself.
 .
What: Turn tees into bags at Icebreaker Touch Lab
When: Friday, May 9, 5–7 pm
Where: 1109 West Burnside St.
Call: 503.241.8300
Visit: www.icebreaker.com

To Market, To Market

We’ve always dug farmer’s markets. Girls in sundresses, our white legs poking through our shorts, and fresh farm produce for backyard grilling. And it’s time once again for the Beaverton’s Farmer’s Market to open, which brings plenty of honest-to-goodness down-home delights—and a bit of people-watching.

What: Opening Day at the Beaverton Farmer’s Market
When: May 10, 8 am–1:30 pm
Where: Beaverton City Park
(SW Hall Boulevard, between Third and Fifth Streets)
Call: 503.643.5345
Visit: www.beavertonfarmersmarket.com